Artificial selection

Definition

Artificial selection is the intentional breeding of plants or animals to produce desired traits in future generations. Unlike natural selection, which occurs through environmental pressures and survival of the fittest, artificial selection is driven by human intervention, allowing specific characteristics to be enhanced or suppressed based on human preferences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artificial selection has been practiced for thousands of years, with early examples including the domestication of crops and livestock.
2. It can lead to significant changes in traits over relatively short periods of time, making it a powerful tool for agricultural improvement.
3. While artificial selection can enhance desirable traits, it may also result in unintended consequences, such as reduced genetic diversity and increased vulnerability to diseases.
4. Examples of artificial selection include the breeding of dog breeds, where specific traits like size, coat type, and temperament are emphasized.
5. Charles Darwin recognized artificial selection as a key factor in understanding natural selection, noting that if humans could modify species through selective breeding, nature could do so even more effectively.

Review Questions

• How does artificial selection differ from natural selection in terms of processes and outcomes?
  • Artificial selection differs from natural selection primarily in its driving force; while natural selection is a process influenced by environmental pressures that favor the survival of certain traits, artificial selection is guided by human preferences. This means that the outcomes of artificial selection are often more rapid and dramatic in changing traits compared to natural selection. Additionally, artificial selection may focus on aesthetic or productivity traits without considering the overall fitness of the organism in its environment.
• Discuss the implications of artificial selection on genetic diversity within domesticated species.
  • Artificial selection can significantly impact genetic diversity within domesticated species by favoring certain traits over others. This selective pressure can lead to a reduction in the gene pool as specific individuals with desirable characteristics are bred repeatedly. The resulting lack of genetic variation can make populations more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes, as there may be fewer variations that allow some individuals to adapt. This underscores the importance of balancing artificial selection practices with efforts to maintain genetic diversity.
• Evaluate the role of artificial selection in modern agriculture and how it has influenced food production systems.
  • Artificial selection plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by allowing farmers and scientists to develop crops and livestock with enhanced traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and better nutritional value. This practice has led to significant improvements in food production systems, contributing to increased food security for growing populations. However, it also raises ethical concerns about sustainability and reliance on monocultures, which can threaten long-term agricultural resilience. Evaluating these factors is essential for developing practices that support both productivity and ecological health.

Related terms

natural selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, shaping the evolution of species over time.

genetic variation: The diversity in gene frequencies within a population, which is essential for natural selection and artificial selection to occur.

selective breeding: A form of artificial selection where humans choose specific animals or plants for reproduction based on desired traits, often used in agriculture and animal husbandry.